The Hillsborough Memorial Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub, Liverpool

First topic message reminder :

Hello and welcome to the Virtual Rugby Pub, a place where you can come in for a sly beverage and discuss whatever's on your mind, or just eavesdrop on the regulars if you fancy a break from all the rugby chat.

The Pub has made its way to Liverpool in honour of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, who may finally receive justice.

We are also mourning the sudden loss of Nevin Spence, his father Noel and brother Graeme, who died tragically at their farm in Hillsborough, Co. Down yesterday.

We offer our thoughts and deepest sympathies to his sisters Emma (who remains in a stable condition in hospital), Laura, their mother Essie, family and all friends and fans of the Ulster Rugby community.

The only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no tampering with the pictures of Andy Murray, Craig Newby and Delme Thomas.




Previous Pub https://www.606v2.com/t34463-the-corso-marauders-dew-drop-inn-virtual-rugby-pub-amsterdam

Can't take it in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po49Vpv9heU

My sympathy and condolences to the Spence family and Ulster rugby.

I can't really think of anything else to say.

It still has taken me back a bit, you hear some sport stars dying young due to maybe health issues or in a car crash but something like this and indeed something close to us i.e. in the British Isles is largely unheard of. Deepest condolence to the family and prayers go out to their mother.

He was one of our own. He'll be sorely and genuinely missed for reasons far beyond rugby.

I'm sure that this weekends game against Zebre will not go ahead. How his friends and colleagues are meant to put their minds to the task of preparing this week is beyond me. They deserve to be able to attend the funeral if they wish and to grieve.

Hoped yesterday was a bad dream but unfortunately not.

Don that was a lovely piece on the BBC about him and his sister. This is just such a tragedy. Reading the tributes and media reports is just heartbreaking.

Fantastic player, even though he'd slipped down the pecking order a bit, I always felt he had a big future for Ulster and Ireland. His raw physicality, commitment, pace and power made him really stand out.

My thoughts are with Willy and those who new Nevin, his brother and father. I can't imagine how they must be feeling.

Hi everyone.

MrsP - you're absolutely right. We all tend to forget how important life is when we get embroiled in everyday trivialities. This is what motivated me to say I'd hoped no one was on their own last night. If there was anything remotely positive to salvage from situations like this, is that these kind of events normally bring people closer together with love and support.

Agree Notch, it is also nice to see the rugby community (hear and other places) come together at such a terrible time. It happens in other sports alright but the bond between rugby fans and players is one that always seems like one of the greatest.

Notch wrote:He was one of our own. He'll be sorely and genuinely missed for reasons far beyond rugby.

I'm sure that this weekends game against Zebre will not go ahead. How his friends and colleagues are meant to put their minds to the task of preparing this week is beyond me. They deserve to be able to attend the funeral if they wish and to grieve.

I think it will be postponed Notch. I can't see anyone at Ulster Rugby, let alone individual players, being able to prepare and organise themselves for a match at the moment.

Glas,

I've added a couple of paragraphs in the OP.

Does anyone know Mrs Spence's first name?

Well done Breaker.

Linebreaker wrote:Glas,

I've added a couple of paragraphs in the OP.

Does anyone know Mrs Spence's first name?

Thanks Breaker and Glas for the words. Willie, if you need to talk let me know.
It is at times like this we feel so inadequate. In my work unfortunately this occurs too often. There are many lessons to be learned, I just hope some day these tragedies are never allowed to happen.
Human reaction will always be to help. If as is reported the two boys tried to save their dad then I can understand it. I would probably have done the same.

Off to church now and will say a prayer for the Spence family and all my friends in here.

SUFTUM

Yes Rava, the early reports are suggesting that their dad got into difficulties first trying to save the family dog that had fallen in, and then the children tried to save him. It is a completely natural reaction in those circumstances, I think we'd all do the same thing. The HSE will do their investigation and hopefully, as you say, lessons can be learned. According to the Facebook page Emma is in a stable condition in hospital recovering.

If that is correct then I am saddened even further. I have lost count of the deaths I have known which began with a person attempting to save a pet. I am not an animal lover, nor a hater, but to effectively lose 3 lives for the sake of trying to save a pet seems just an utter waste to me.

So so sad. From all accounts, and I do mean all, Nevins Spence was a thoroughly decent young man, who worked hard and through that sort of character was likely to achieve the best that he could in life. In showing the sort of courage that many people who knew him seem to associate with him he has lost his life trying to save his father and brother.

In general, perhaps through my work, things like this don't weigh heavily on me, however today when reading tributes to this young man, I have been close to tears more than once. I hope that those who knew him and loved him are given the support that they need, wherever that may come from.

To the Ulster supporters in here, particularly Willy, and well anyone really, if you need to talk then I, and I am sure everyone else in here will be there to listen.

Just numb at this really. Today is just an incredibly sad day.

As Rava has said - SUFTUM.

I second your sentiments in the latter part of your post Ozzy. It's very quiet here. I'm playing some music quietly to myself as I personally find that comforting. I feel the same way today as I did when I heard about Gary Speed.

Incidentally, what I posted above could just be unsubstantiated rumours being bandied about online. I'm just repeating what I've read, but we really won't know until the investigation is complete.

I have read that his father got into difficulty and his brother went in the help his father. When they both got into difficulty Nevin and his sister went in to help them. Yours is the first mention I've seen of the dog Cari, but sadly it would not be an unfamiliar story.

That is the report I have read also. I'd imagine there is some truth in it and it is truely heartbreaking. More detail will emerge after the H&S investigation I'd imagine.

Did anyone see the Ulster press conference at 12 on Sky sport? I missed it unfortunately.

That's what I mean, I've only read that comment in one place, so I wouldn't believe it. I suppose in a situation like this, the whys and what fors make little difference because it's happened and what matters is now. I'm glad to read that Emma is stable and hopefully recovering. She and her mum are going to need each other so much.

Rodders - no, I haven't put the TV on today. Just reading updates online.

I'm not so sure on the pet part of that, as Sky News just report that Noel fell in, Graeme tried to save him first and then Nevin and Emma also went in to try and help. But that's somewhat irrelevant.

It's a terrible tragedy and really, I think the offer should be opened to all Rabo clubs about postponing games next week. Munster might not want to play Dragons for example and understandably so.

Again, I hope Emma does make a speedy recovery, so it eases the burden on her mother and allows them both to begin the grieving process.

SUFTUM

Risca - perhaps they will postpone the P-12 for this week as a mark of respect. I'm sure they'll they make some sort of announcement during the week about it. Maybe they'll give clubs the choice as to whether or not they want to play, see what sort of feedback they get about it and go from there.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19614688

Press conference here.

Afternoon all. I was going to post a cheery check in from Portugal then read the news SUFTUM . Theres a signed Ireland jersey up in the bar (Ireland trained at this resort in 2006, think I'll sign off and go toast Spence in front of the jersey.

I crashed early last night. Missed all this. Until Mo told me today.

My God, its awful. Not a time for rugby. A Dad and his 2 young sons are gone.

My heart goes out to Mrs Spence and Emma. And to all the Spence family. And to all our Ulster friends, who must be feeling it deep right now.

Specially his close neighbours, Willy and family.

May they Rest In Peace and remain in our memories.

Can't get my head round it Gibbo. Things were going so well at Ulster rugby. It all seems so hollow now.

From a rugby context I can't believe I'll never watch this talented young man play for Ulster again or that we'll never know how good he could have been. His attitude was 1st class and he had the raw talent to be a fantastic player for Ulster and Ireland.

From a human context the whole thing is heartbreaking. I am so so sorry for the family and everyone who knows them.

Time will heal Rodders. But, as MrsG just said, "If I lost you and my 2 boys, I think I would want to follow you all." The pain must be unbearable. I shudder when I even try to imagine it. I thank the Powers that be that Emma was spared - for her precious life alone and to help give her Mother the strength to carry on. Its a mercy we have to cling to.

From Leinster, Munster & Connacht, thank you Ulster for your beautiful and talented son. We will carry him with us to every ground we visit. And every time Ulster & Ireland play.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts from your Ulster friends.

As our Church is rural and contains a large number of people from the farming community there was obviously a great deal of talk about this today. So many people who could have been in a similar position.
There was an accident with similarities in the mid 1990's just outside Ballymoney when a plumber working in a well got into trouble and an Ambulance man and a Fireman tried to rescue them. All three died. The Ambulance Man was a personal friend. It was then I decided to follow the career path I am now on. Last night brought back some old memories. I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears.
Puts things into a bit of perspective though. I don't think I will take a defeat on the pitch as badly again. There are other things just far more important.

A couple of other things, though. There is another sister, Laura I think and the elder son was married with two young children. More family to grieve but a wider circle to help each other in the days and weeks to come.

I'm not sure if anyone's aware, but a book of condolence is to open at Ravenhill from 10:00am tomorrow. It will be available to sign until the end of the week and Ravenhill will be open all week from 09:00 until 17:00 for anyone wishing to leave tributes.

God I couldn't believe this last night... Started hearing things about 8.30 and ended up staying up until midnight watching the news praying it wasn't true until they confirmed it....

Grew up around farms and the one rule we were told never ever to break was to go near the slurry pit if the slats were off... Just never. My grandmother hated when my granda was working at the pit.

My heart goes out to the Spence family and all their friends, as well as all the lads at Ulster and all over who knew Nevin. I was lucky enough to meet him once or twice over here in Glasgow and he was a gentleman. Makes me think of my own mortality as he was only a week older than me!

And I can't not mention the fact that Ulster sport was already mourning another son this week, a star of Fermanagh GAA was killed in a work accident during the week. His name was Brian Og Maguire and I just wanted to remember him as we are all united in sport.

Rest in Peace Nevin, Graham, Noel and Brian Og

Beautifully said UlstermaninGlasgow.

It just came to mind, that we now have 2 Hillsborough tragedies to remember as long as we live.

Rava wrote:

Linebreaker wrote:Glas,

I've added a couple of paragraphs in the OP.

Does anyone know Mrs Spence's first name?

Thanks Breaker and Glas for the words. Willie, if you need to talk let me know.
It is at times like this we feel so inadequate. In my work unfortunately this occurs too often. There are many lessons to be learned, I just hope some day these tragedies are never allowed to happen.
Human reaction will always be to help. If as is reported the two boys tried to save their dad then I can understand it. I would probably have done the same.

Off to church now and will say a prayer for the Spence family and all my friends in here.

SUFTUM

I've been to church as well. Niece's christening. It's exercising the farming community as much as the rugby fans I can tell you.

Its certainly close to home for the farmers.

Just reading back, can't think on anything else to add. Deepest sympathy to all

red_stag wrote:Its certainly close to home for the farmers.

Everybody today had stories of near misses and people maimed for life.

Evening folks



Just on the way back from Oxford with as, chiefs were beaten 25-24 by London Welsh. Chiefs were clueless in the second half.


Dave Pearson had a superb game.........

Great for the Prem that LW got a win Hoog. Commiserations to As

Was Henson playing?

Good result for the Oxford Ospreys. They'll be happy with that. Speaking of winnings, I know it won't mean much to anyone else, but St Colmcilles - Cardiff's GAA football team became 2012 champions this afternoon beating St Nick's of Bristol. It made me anyway.

Henson's out for about 3-4 more weeks with a fractured cheekbone sustained in a pre-season friendly. But that result is a huge shot in the arm for Welsh.

And it keeps Wasps in 6th.

Glas a du wrote:Was Henson playing?

His face is still broken, no?

Good on them Cari

Only getting 3hrs of sleep is starting to take it's toll on me. And slipping on steps in a club has resulted in me having a rather bruised bum (but it's okay, I didn't spill my drink...).

Was Henson in the crowd?

Dreamer - that's sounds painful. At least you didn't waste any drink, eh?

I didn't get much sleep last night either...ir should I say this morning. I went to bed eventually at about twenty to five and was up at half nine. I'll be off to bed early tonight anyway.

It's been an odd weekend.

Great result for the Exiles , commiserations to Asbo

That was exactly my thinking Cari Only slipped down two and bounced right back up again, so apart from my bum think I've only really bruised my pride!

Aye I went to sleep at half 5, up at half 9 but I kept waking up every half hour, twas really weird. guess juts coz I was sleeping in a flat I wasn't used to or something.

I literally can't wait to fall into bed later, my pillows are calling me.

And this weekend....been one of very mixed emotions.

Art expert on the BBC is called Bendor.


Bendor.




BENDOR!

Yesterday started so well and finished on such a flat note. Good win in the rugby away to Usk, though I wrecked my beak again (this time catching an elbow full force as I tackled somebody) and I had to use all my allotted blood bin time to stop the blood which was really giving it some (playing 65 mins with two bits of tissue as a bung isn't great either). But that was fine and great to win again with a BP. Then heard the 1sts turned over Newport HSOBs (which was a bit unexpected). So both sides are still undefeated.

Good on Welsh today. Some character coming back from 14-0 down.

I cancelled my Sky Sports today, so will be pestering T for links soon enough. Trying to cut back on a few luxuries.

nice one on the win Rev, hope your nose isn't hurting too much now though - sounds painful!

Risca - your beak could've been much worse. Remember when Harinordoquy had to play in the Heino wearing that enormous frame and bandage around his conk? Congrats on the win anyway.

I did wonder about having to do something like that yeah. I also wondered about taking it as a warning sign and coming off, as I was supposed to fly on task early this morning. As it happened, I played on and then after driving back to work, my flight and task was cancelled (which annoyed me a little, as I could've had another night at home).

Still, it's been nice sitting in my room listening to music and reading Anthony Kiedis' autobiography all day.

Aye gav was there, he walked right past me and asbo with even saying hello. No manners that chap

Great read that book rev, some ridiculas stories in it, no idea how that lad is still alive

DREAMER - the Count is on Scrum V just now